How to Stock up on Traditional Fasteners

If you build traditional casework with traditional joints and fasteners then you already know the local hardware store is of little use when you need some 4d rosehead nails.

Lucky for us, there’s the Internet, which can be a pretty good hardware store.

Several readers have asked about what fasteners they should keep in stock in their shop. The answer is, of course, it depends on what you build. The following is a list of what I always keep on hand in my shop and what I use each fastener for.

• Fine finish nails, 4d (1-1/2”). For assembling casework, especially toenailing shelves and dividers into dadoed case sides. Or for nailing from the outside of a carcase into a frame that is dadoed into the case.

• Clinch rosehead standard, 4d (1-1/2”). For attaching backs and bottoms to cases (the head of the nail adds holding power). I also use these to attach web frames to the side of a case.

A couple caveats to the above list: This list doesn’t really help you with attaching hardware such as hinges. I approach this on a project-by-project basis and always order extra hardware (especially when dealing with brass screws). If you use one hardware supplier a lot – I use Horton Brasses, for example – then you’ll soon get used to their fastener sizing and stock up on the stuff you use all the time.

Oh, and I’m no fool. I have a big box of No. 8 x 1-1/4” drywall screws for assembling jigs and screwing stuff down to the bench when necessary.

— Christopher Schwarz

As you can see, I keep all my screws in my family’s old spice cabinet. This works, but I have to keep my nails in a plastic tackle box. This year I’m building a real “nail cabinet” based on several traditional models, including one owned by Roy Underhill. Also, you can read more posts about traditional hardware here on my blog by following this link.

12 thoughts on “How to Stock up on Traditional Fasteners”

I am always amused at why you stick with common or
philips screws?
I much prefer the robertson square drive, when possible.
In fact stockroom supply carries a combo square/phillips
drive screw for those who still prefer phillips.
Sometimes depending on screw size there is very little
choice but give the choice I will use roberston.

And for the scavenger in all of us, don’t overlook discarded items from the curb, craigslist, or other cheap/free sources. Great source of screws, hardware, and even some pretty nice wood. I’ve taken in several abandoned “children” in the past and re-purposes screws, hinges, handles, “L” brackets, etc. In the past year I found a painted coffee table that, when paint was removed, revealed beautiful 3/4 x 7 in x 44 in tiger oak. Currently working on reviving an Abernathy drop leaf dining table from the front porch of a craigslister. It’s walnut and turned legs still amaze me for a piece that is anywhere from 60-100 years old. Too much fun!